Rapid KL must also follow rules and regulations

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw urges Rapid KL to give better service and to follow rules and regulations just as other bus companies. If there are exceptions for the company, then it will be unfair for other bus companies.

Dr Tan comments on the increase in the number of buses for Rapid KL under the RM10 billion public transportation plan to be implemented by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (SPNB) as announced by the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on 29 August, 2006.

The RM10 billion allocation is to create an efficient and cost-effective public transport system in the Klang Valley. This includes the improvement in the LRT network. It is hoped that in future there will not be LRT passengers trapped because of various reasons such as floods.

Is Rapid KL a slow bus service?

Early next year, Rapid KL will have 1,130 new buses and the present 600 buses which will be repaired, totalling 1,730 buses. We expect that the service will be good and that its buses will follow rules and regulations.

At present, there are complaints of passengers having to change buses from the suburb to the centre of KL frequently, whereas there are more direct routes provided by other companies. Very often, we see Rapid KL buses parking at bus stations instead of bus terminals. While other buses are charged for indiscriminate parking, do they get the same treatment?

Are there special privileges for Rapid KL?

The Government wishes to increase the the percentage of public transport passengers from 11% to 40% as seen in big cities worldwide. If this is attained, we can reduce traffic congestion. On the other hand, SPNB must show to other bus companies that it does not enjoy special privileges.

On principle, we welcome the intention to inprove public transport. In practice, Rapid KL must show good example as well as giving good service to passengers. It should review the number of changes of buses in various routes. It should differentiate between bus terminals and bus stations.